MUSKEGON — A 35-year-old Lakewood Club man was arrested Thursday afternoon after authorities were alerted by a family member that the man was bringing a shotgun to the Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice.

Using a description provided by family member, the man was identified by police when he arrived at the Muskegon County courthouse, 990 Terrace, and immediately taken into custody around 12:30 p.m.

The man was unarmed at the time, but an officer searched his unlocked vehicle and discovered a 12-gauge shotgun and three shotgun shells inside, along with his keys and wallet.

The man told authorities he was “distraught” upon learning that a family member had been assaulted. He said he brought the weapon to the courthouse not knowing what he planned to do with it.

The man said when he arrived at the courthouse, he decided to leave the weapon in the vehicle, but went inside in an effort to confront the alleged offender, authorities said.

Weapons charges were pending against the man, who was lodged in the Muskegon County Jail where he was awaiting arraignment early Friday.